Invited guest started signing themselves into the venue as early as 17.45. Among them were the Founding Chairman Regis Manyanya, Secretary for Information and Publicity Nicholas Shiri, Rev. Punshon, Henry Masawi, Innocent Chirawu, Preacher Muguza, Tonderai Samanyanga (NZCN/MDC Derby) and others.

At 18.40 Nicholas welcomed the guests and asked Mrs Chinyani to open the function with a song before a word of prayer from Rev Punshon. Mrs Chinyani and and her team then sang the song “Ndiani Pamutipo…..NdiyeIshe, NdiMambo Jesu, Ndiye Ishe Mambo WeKudenga. Tinomupfugamira, SaMambo toMugadza” (Who hung on the Cross….It’s the Lord, King Jesus, He is the King of Heaven. We bow down before Him, We Crown Him King”

Rev. George Punshon gave a powerful and comprehensive prayer which touched on race relations in Zimbabwe and the UK, the welfare of Zimbabwean refugees in the diaspora, the success of the Zimbabwean coalition government (that leaders may put the people’s needs first in their plans, he prayed and that we may see what we are supposed to do and when we should do it.

Next behind the pulpit was Rhoita Govera reciting her poem about life (copy to be published later). She summarized her poem in the last line challenging Nottingham and Harare to maintain their strong relationship/the twinning) and keep it real.

Regis was the next to take centre stage. He welcomed everyone to the function which he described as a ‘celebration of the twinning of Nottingham and Harare’. He added that one needs a friend to stand by them when they are in dire need. He said the gathering “… might sound controversial to those of the media who promote negative ideas about asylum seekers – we know ours is a worthy cause as we accept that our friends are in need”. He reminded the guests that the function was an arrangement between the people of Nottingham and Harare – not with the Zanu PF government. He said that in Harare the safest drinking water was that from the sewage system. He said Harare needed us more than ever before. He urged the international community to intervene with humanitarian help for children who should not be held ransom to politics. He said children – ‘the future leaders of Zimbabwe,’ were dying from cholera before they could save their country. Regis then condemned the continual detention of Roy Bennett by Mugabe and his cronies. He also said the leader of Council Jon Collins supports our cause and his dream was to see democracy prevail in Zimbabwe. A dream we should all share with him. He said the council, the media, business sector and the general public support towards this dream has been shown but still more needed to be done. He concluded by thanking the Lord Mayor for his precious time.

What a lively and memorable event it was at the Nottingham Town House

All was set for the memorable day in Nottingham Zimbabwean Community diaries

Nicholas as MC for the day, then stressed that if there was any time Hrare needed Nottingham, the time was now. In appreciating the Lord Mayor’s gesture of hosting the party for us , Nicholas said that even though they were many other nationals in Nottingham the Lord Mayor had highly favoured us by the function.

Guests had a rare chance of being photographed standing with the Lord Mayor. The Lord Mayor’s patience proved tried and tested was found excellent by all guests as they fulfilled their dream to be photographed standing with the Mayor. (See some more pictures in the photo gallery).

MC of the day Nicholas Shiri, Mrs Chinyani and team

Some of the guests at the function

The food which consisted of sandwiches, soft drinks, beer and wine, cakes, pizzas, fruits and other snacks was quite tasty and nourishing. It was enough for everybody present because where 200 guests were expected, only around eighty had turned up. Music was played by DJ Blessing and it ranged from Zimbabwean sunguras/museve, South African kwaito to English pop music. Guests let their feet loose on the dance floor as they, chewed, drank and jived for close to three hours express.

Mr Henry Masawi at precisely 21:55 in accordance to the programme gave a vote of thanks, once more thanking the Lord Mayor of Nottingham Cllr Gul Nawaz Khan, the Leader of Council Jon Collins, Nottingham City Council, the guests present, the Music Dj, the Catering staff and everyone who sacrificed their time to make the day a success.

Afterwards those guests who had not/or wanted to take another FREE ride on the Big Eye wheel outside the Town House were free to do so – as this was also part of the entertainment of the day. All they had to do was show their invitation card and have a go.

“Wherever you are try to organise and influence those around you, to end the common terror. Victory is certain! Aluta Continua until final victory! Together We Shall Complete the Change. Yes, We Can!!!”, Innocent Chirawu (2008).

this shows how successful and strong the NCZN is. guys keep up the good work for the people of ZIMBA, especialy the kids. lets be a true example to them through this hardship times. i would love to attend some of the meetings and to be notified early as i stay in Liverpool